Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called for a media boycott, citing what she sees as biased reporting and misrepresentation of her position on recent political events and protests.
Speaking on Tuesday, Passaris singled out two media houses, claiming that they do not serve the nation’s interest.
“We are here to make laws that steward the country forward, and that is what I want. President Ruto had no idea about the bill I had proposed. He came across it on the internet,” she said.
“But these 'gutter' press don't have good intentions and therefore do not love our nation.”
Passaris urged Kenyans not to buy the two newspapers, claiming their coverage is designed to mislead the public.
“They don’t want to tell citizens about the good deeds done by the government. They only want to confuse you,” she added.
Her remarks come amid rising criticism of the Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which she is sponsoring. The bill seeks to prohibit demonstrations within 100 metres of key government installations, including Parliament, courts, and State House.
Passaris said the proposal is not meant to curtail dissent but to protect lives and property, especially in high-security zones.
“I started working on that bill on October 18, 2024, after Gen Z entered Parliament and vandalised things. Lives were put in danger, and others died,” she said. “I don’t want to prevent demonstrations, but we should give information regarding that demonstration.”
She was referring to the June 25, 2024, incidents, when protesters stormed Parliament during nationwide demonstrations against the withdrawn 2024 Finance Bill. The protests turned violent, with parts of the National Assembly set ablaze and several fatalities reported.
During the June 2025 anniversary of the Occupy Parliament protests, more demonstrators were killed during clashes with police.
Investigations indicated that the largely peaceful protests were infiltrated by hired thugs who incited violence.
Passaris maintains her proposed law is a response to those events, with some leaders allied to the government calling the bill timely and necessary.
